Thermoelectric device having a plurality of sealing materials

ABSTRACT

A thermoelectric device includes a thermally conductive first plate and at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly comprises a thermally conductive second plate and a plurality of thermoelectric elements in a region between the first plate and the second plate. The at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly further includes a first material along a first portion of a perimeter of the region and having a first stiffness and a second material along a second portion of the perimeter of the region and having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are incorporated by reference and made a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND Field

This application relates to thermoelectric devices and modules used for thermal management of components and/or systems, including but not limited to batteries.

Description of the Related Art

Power electronics and other electrical devices, such as batteries, can be sensitive to overheating, cold temperatures, extreme temperatures, and operating temperature limits. The performance of such devices may be diminished, sometimes severely, when the devices are operated outside of recommended temperature ranges. In semiconductor devices, integrated circuit dies can overheat and malfunction. In batteries, including, for example, batteries used for automotive applications in electrified or electrical vehicles, battery cells and their components can degrade when overheated or overcooled. Such degradation can manifest itself in reduced battery storage capacity and/or reduced ability for the battery to be recharged over multiple duty cycles. Furthermore, high performance batteries for use in large systems (including, for example, lithium based batteries used in electrical vehicles) have certain properties (e.g., charging characteristics) and/or safety-related events (e.g., potential fires due to over-temperature conditions) that make thermal management of the batteries and/or containment system desirable.

SUMMARY

In certain embodiments, a thermoelectric device is provided. The thermoelectric device comprises a thermally conductive first plate and at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly. The first plate comprises at least one hole extending through the first plate. The at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly comprises a thermally conductive second plate displaced from the at least one hole in a direction parallel to the first plate and a plurality of thermoelectric elements in a region between the first plate and the second plate, the plurality of thermoelectric elements is in thermal communication with the first plate and the second plate. The at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly further comprises a first material along a first portion of a perimeter of the region, the first material in mechanical communication with the first plate and the second plate, the first material having a first stiffness. The at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly further comprises a second material along a second portion of the perimeter of the region, the second material in mechanical communication with the first plate and the second plate, the second material having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.

In certain embodiments, a thermoelectric module for thermally conditioning a component is provided. The module comprises first and second heat spreaders spaced apart from one another and configured to respectively provide cold and hot sides and to be mechanically coupled together by at least one fastener. The module further comprises a material arranged between the first and second heat spreaders and a thermoelectric device operatively engaged with the first and second heat spreaders. The thermoelectric device comprises a thermally conductive first plate in thermal communication with the first heat spreader, the first plate comprising at least one hole configured to have the at least one fastener extend therethrough. The thermoelectric device further comprises a plurality of thermoelectric sub-assemblies arranged to have the at least one fastener between adjacent thermoelectric sub-assemblies. Each thermoelectric sub-assembly comprises a thermally conductive second plate in thermal communication with the second heat spreader and having a plurality of edges, a plurality of thermoelectric elements between and in thermal communication with the first plate and the second plate, and a first material along a first portion of the plurality of edges and having a first stiffness and a second material along a second portion of the plurality of edges and having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.

In certain embodiments, a method of forming a thermoelectric device is provided. The method comprises providing a thermally conductive first plate, a thermally conductive second plate, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements in a region between the first plate and the second plate. The plurality of thermoelectric elements is in thermal communication with the first plate and the second plate. The first plate comprises at least one hole extending through the first plate and the second plate is displaced from the at least one hole such that the second plate does not extend over or around the at least one hole. The method further comprises applying material along a perimeter of the region. Applying the material comprises applying a first material along a first portion of the perimeter of the region, the first material in mechanical communication with the first plate and the second plate, the first material having a first stiffness. Applying the material further comprises applying a second material along a second portion of the perimeter of the region, the second material in mechanical communication with the first plate and the second plate, the second material having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A schematically illustrates a top view of an example thermoelectric device in accordance with certain embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 1B and 1C schematically illustrate two cross-sectional views in two different planes of the example thermoelectric device of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate a perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, of an example thermoelectric device comprising four thermoelectric sub-assemblies in accordance with certain embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 3A-3J schematically illustrate portions of various example thermoelectric devices with the first material and the second material along various portions of the perimeter of the one or more thermoelectric assemblies in accordance with certain embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a thermoelectric module for thermally conditioning a component (e.g., an electronics component; a battery) in accordance with certain embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method of forming a thermoelectric device or a thermoelectric module in accordance with certain embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A schematically illustrates a top view of an example thermoelectric device 100 in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. FIGS. 1B and 1C schematically illustrate two cross-sectional views in two different planes of the example thermoelectric device 100 of FIG. 1A.

The thermoelectric device 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C comprises a thermally conductive first plate 110 comprising at least one hole 112 extending through the first plate 110. The thermoelectric device 100 further comprises at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly 114 which comprises a thermally conductive second plate 120 displaced from the at least one hole 112 in a direction 122 parallel to the first plate 110. The at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly 114 further comprises a plurality of thermoelectric (“TE”) elements 130 in a region 132 between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120. The plurality of TE elements 130 are in thermal communication with the first plate 110 and the second plate 120.

The at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly 114 further comprises a first material 140 along a first portion 142 of a perimeter 134 of the region 132. The first material 140 (e.g., epoxy) has a first stiffness and is in mechanical communication with the first plate 110 and the second plate 120. The at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly 114 further comprises a second material 150 (e.g., silicone) along a second portion 152 of the perimeter 134 of the region 132. The second material 150 has a second stiffness less than the first stiffness and is in mechanical communication with the first plate 110 and the second plate 120.

In certain embodiments, each of the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 comprises a planar laminate structure (e.g., a printed circuit board or PCB) having one or more electrically conductive layers (e.g., copper; aluminum; metal; metal alloy or composite) and one or more electrically insulating layers (e.g., fiberglass; resin; polymer; fibrous material preimpregnated with a resin material such as epoxy). The one or more electrically conductive layers can be configured to provide electrical connections to the plurality of TE elements 130. For example, an outer electrically conductive layer of the one or more electrically conductive layers can comprise electrically conductive pads configured to be coupled (e.g., soldered) to the TE elements 130, and the pads can be in electrical communication with other pads (e.g., by electrically conductive lines formed by selective chemical etching of the electrically conductive layers and by electrically conductive vias formed through the electrically insulating layers).

In certain embodiments, the first plate 110 has a planar parallelogram shape (e.g., rhombus shape; rectangular shape; square shape) with four edges 116 (e.g., a rectangular shape with two shorter edges 116 a and two longer edges 116 b). The first plate 110 can have other planar shapes (e.g., polygonal) with other numbers of edges 116 in accordance with certain embodiments described herein (e.g., triangular shapes with three edges; trapezoidal shapes with four edges; pentagonal shapes with five edges; hexagonal shapes with six edges; etc.). In certain embodiments, the second plate 120 has a planar parallelogram shape (e.g., rhombus shape; rectangular shape; square shape) with four edges 126 (e.g., a rectangular shape with two shorter edges 126 a and two longer edges 126 b). The second plate 120 can have other planar shapes (e.g., polygonal) with other numbers of edges 126 in accordance with certain embodiments described herein (e.g., triangular shapes with three edges; trapezoidal shapes with four edges; pentagonal shapes with five edges; hexagonal shapes with six edges; etc.).

In certain embodiments, the plurality of TE elements 130 comprises p-type TE elements and n-type TE elements in electrical communication with one another through a plurality of shunts (e.g., electrically conductive pads of the first plate 110 and the second plate 120). For example, the plurality of TE elements 130 can be arranged in a “stonehenge” configuration in which p-type and n-type TE elements alternate with one another and are in series electrical communication with one another by shunts which are alternately positioned on the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 such that electrical current can flow serially through the TE elements 130 and the shunts in a serpentine fashion. In certain embodiments, the plurality of TE elements 130 are in thermal communication with the first plate 110 through the shunts (e.g., electrically conductive pads) of the first plate 110 and in thermal communication with the second plate 120 through the shunts (e.g., electrically conductive pads) of the second plate 120. In certain embodiments, the region 132 containing the plurality of TE elements 130 is between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 and has a perimeter 134 defined by the second plate 120 (e.g., the perimeter 134 is coincident with the plurality of edges 126 of the second plate 120 such that the first portion 142 and the second portion 152 correspond to respective portions of the plurality of edges 126).

In certain embodiments, the at least one hole 112 of the first plate 110 is configured to have at least one fastener extend through the at least one hole 112. As described more fully herein, the thermoelectric device 100 and the at least one fastener (e.g., bolt; screw; pin; rivet) are components of a thermoelectric module in which the thermoelectric device 100 is sandwiched between and in thermal communication with first and second heat spreaders that are mechanically coupled together by the at least one fastener. The shape of the at least one hole 112 can be circular, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 1A, or non-circular (e.g., rectangular). In certain embodiments, the at least one hole 112 and the at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly 114 are displaced (e.g., located away) from one another in the direction 122 parallel to the first plate 110 (e.g., laterally displaced from one another). For example, as schematically shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the direction 122 extends along the first plate 110 and an edge 113 of the at least one hole 112 is spaced away from the at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly 114 (e.g., spaced away from the second plate 120) in the direction 122. In certain such embodiments, the second plate 120 of the thermoelectric sub-assembly 114 does not extend over or around the at least one hole 112.

In certain embodiments, the first plate 110 has a first surface 118 (e.g., a top surface of the first plate 110; a surface of the first plate 110 closest to the second plate 120) with a first surface area and the second plate 120 has a second surface 128 (e.g., a top surface of the second plate 120; a surface of the second plate 120 farthest from the first plate 110) with a second surface area less than the first surface area. For example, the thermoelectric device 100 can comprise a plurality of thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114, each comprising a corresponding second plate 120 and a corresponding plurality of thermoelectric elements 130 (e.g., the plurality of second plates 120 are mounted to a common first plate 110), and the first plate 110 can have a surface area larger than the sum of the surface areas of the second plates 120.

In certain embodiments, the first material 140 is in mechanical communication with the first plate 110 and the second plate 120, and the second material 150 is in mechanical communication with the first plate 110 and the second plate 120. For example, the first plate 110 can comprise a first plurality of edges 116 and the second plate 120 can comprise a second plurality of edges 126, with the first plurality of edges 116 extending beyond the second plurality of edges 126, as schematically shown in FIG. 1A. The portion of the first plate 110 extending beyond the second plurality of edges 126 (e.g., the portion between the edge 116 and the nearest edge 126) can provide sufficient area to be mechanically coupled to the first material 140 and the second material 150. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the first material 140 and/or the second material 150 can be mechanically coupled to the first surface of the first plate 110 and to an edge 126 of the second plate 120. In certain other embodiments, at least some of the edges 126 of the second plates 120 are aligned (e.g., flush) with one or more edges 116 of the first plate 110, and the first material 140 and the second material 150 can be mechanically coupled to the aligned edges 116, 126 without one of the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 extending past the other in a direction generally parallel to the first plate 110 and/or the second plate 120.

In certain embodiments, the first material 140 and the second material 150 are selected to provide mechanical stiffness sufficient to withstand the mechanical stresses, pressures, and/or forces expected to be experienced by the thermoelectric sub-assembly 114 at the respective first portion 142 and second portion 152 of the perimeter 134 (e.g., during assembly and/or operation of a thermoelectric module comprising the thermoelectric device 100). For example, the first material 140 can comprise epoxy and the second material 150 can comprise silicone. The first material 140 and the second material 150 of certain other embodiments can comprise other materials or combinations of materials.

In certain embodiments, the first material 140 extending along the first portion 142 of the perimeter 134 and the second material 150 extending along the second portion 152 of the perimeter 134 form a seal (e.g., a hermetic seal) along the perimeter 134 of the region 132. For example, as schematically illustrated by FIG. 1A, the first portion 142 and the second portion 152 do not overlap (e.g., do not extend over) one another, with the first material 140 adjacent to and in contact with the second material 150 to form a continuous seal completely around the region 132. In another example, the first portion 142 and the second portion 152 partially overlap (e.g., extend over) one another, such that one of the first material 140 and the second material 150 overlays the other where the first portion 142 and the second portion 152 overlap to form a continuous seal completely around the region 132. In certain embodiments, the thermoelectric sub-assembly 114 does not have any gaps between the first material 140 and the second material 150.

FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate a perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, of an example thermoelectric device 100 comprising four thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the thermoelectric device 100 comprises a first plate 110 (e.g., PCB) having a rectangular shape with four edges 116 (e.g., two shorter edges 116 a and two longer edges 116 b). The first plate 110 comprises a plurality of holes 112 (e.g., configured to mount the thermoelectric device 100 within a thermoelectric module) and a plurality of electrically conductive shunts 210 (e.g., solder pads) configured to be in electrical communication and thermal communication with the TE elements 130 of the four thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114. Each of the four thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 of FIGS. 2A and 2B comprises a plurality of TE elements 130, and a second plate 120 having a rectangular shape with four edges 126 (e.g., two shorter edges 126 a and two longer edges 126 b) and having a plurality of electrically conductive shunts (not shown) (e.g., solder pads) configured to be in electrical and thermal communication with the plurality of TE elements 130. FIG. 2A also shows a pair of electrical conductors (e.g., wires) configured to be in electrical communication with electrically conductive pads (e.g., solder pads) of the first plate 110 and to transmit electrical power to and/or from the thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114. FIGS. 2A and 2B do not show the first material 140 or the second material 150 of the thermoelectric device 100, but various configurations of the first and second materials 140, 150 compatible to be used with the thermoelectric device 100 of FIGS. 2A and 2B in accordance with certain embodiments are described elsewhere herein (e.g., see FIGS. 3A-3J).

The thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 of FIGS. 2A and 2B are substantially equally spaced from one another (e.g., within ±5%; within ±1%) across the first plate 110 with a pair of holes 112 between the longer edges 126 b of the second plates 120 of adjacent thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114. The edges 113 of the holes 112 of FIGS. 2A and 2B are displaced from the longer edges 126 b of the second plates 120 (e.g., along a direction 122 parallel to the first plate 110; along a direction perpendicular to the longer edge 126 b and to the edge 113). In certain other embodiments, the thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 are not substantially equally spaced from one another, and/or the number of holes 112 between the adjacent thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 is not equal to two (e.g., one; more than two).

The two shorter edges 126 a of the second plates 120 of each of the thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 of FIGS. 2A and 2B are aligned (e.g., flush) with longer edges 116 b of the first plate 110, and the two thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 at opposite ends of the thermoelectric device 100 have one of the longer edges 126 b of the second plate 120 aligned (e.g., flush) with a respective shorter edge 116 a of the first plate 110. In certain other embodiments, other edges 116 of the first plate 110 and other edges 126 of the second plate 120 can be aligned (e.g., flush) with one another or can extend past one another. The two longer edges 126 b of the two adjacent second plates 120 that face one another (e.g., the longer edges 126 b of the second plates 120 with two holes 112 between them and that are not adjacent to a shorter edge 116 a of the first plate 110) can be referred to as “interior” edges and the two longer edges 126 b of the two second plates 120 that face away from the thermoelectric device 100 can be referred to as “exterior” edges (e.g., the longer edges 126 b of the second plates 120 that are adjacent to a shorter edge 116 a of the first plate 110).

FIGS. 3A-3J schematically illustrate portions of various example thermoelectric devices 100 with the first material 140 and the second material 150 along various portions 142, 152 of the perimeter 134 of the one or more thermoelectric assemblies 114 in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. In each of FIGS. 3A-3J, the one or more second plates 120 are displaced (e.g., laterally displaced; spaced away) from the adjacent one or more holes 112 (e.g., the second plates 120 do not extend over or around the one or more holes 112). While the second plates 120 schematically shown in FIGS. 3A-3J are rectangular with two longer edges and two shorter edges each, other embodiments have other planar shapes with other numbers of edges. In addition, while the second plates 120 schematically shown in FIGS. 3A-3J have their shorter edges adjacent to two opposite edges 116 of the first plate 110, other embodiments have the second plates 120 at other positions and/or orientations relative to the edges 116 of the first plate 110. Various combinations of the thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 and the portions 142 schematically shown in FIGS. 3A-3J, with the portion 152 extending along the remaining length of the perimeter 134, are also compatible with certain embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 3A-3C schematically illustrate portions of various example thermoelectric devices 100 comprising at least two thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 each having a second plate 120 with a hole 112 of the first plate 110 therebetween in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. FIGS. 3A-3C are compatible with certain embodiments in which the portions of the thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 closest to the hole 112 are expected to experience higher mechanical stresses, pressures, and/or forces than other portions (e.g., during assembly and/or operation of a thermoelectric module comprising the thermoelectric device 100). In FIG. 3A, the first portion 142 comprises a portion of the perimeter 134 that is closest to the hole 112 and the first portion 142 extends along a length of the perimeter 134 that is substantially equal (e.g., within ±5%; within ±1%) to a width (e.g., the diameter) of the hole 112 (indicated by the dashed lines), and the second portion 152 extends along the remaining length of the perimeter 134. In FIG. 3B, the first portion 142 comprises a portion of the perimeter 134 that is closest to the hole 112 and the first portion 142 extends along a length of the perimeter 134 that is greater than a width (e.g., the diameter) of the hole 112 (indicated by the dashed lines), and the second portion 152 extends along the remaining length of the perimeter 134. For example, the length of the first portion 142 can be between 5% and 10% greater than the width; between 10% and 20% greater than the width; between 20% and 100% greater than the width; between 50% and 150% greater than the width). In certain other embodiments, the first portion 142 comprises a portion of the perimeter 134 that is closest to the hole 112 and the first portion 142 extends along a length of the perimeter 134 that is less than a width (e.g., the diameter) of the hole 112 (e.g., between 2% and 10% less than the width; between 10% and 20% less than the width; between 20% and 50% less than the width), and the second portion 152 extends along the remaining length of the perimeter 134. In FIG. 3C, the first portion 142 comprises a portion of the perimeter 134 that is closest to the hole 112 and the first portion 142 extends along a length of the perimeter 134 that is substantially equal (e.g., within ±5%; within ±1%) of the longer edge 126 b of the second plate 120 (e.g., the full length of the interior edge of each of the two second plates 120), and the second portion 152 extends along the remaining length of the perimeter 134.

FIG. 3D schematically illustrates a portion of another example thermoelectric device 100 comprising a hole 112 of the first plate 110 positioned between a thermoelectric sub-assembly 114 and an edge 116 of the first plate 110 in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. FIG. 3D is compatible with certain embodiments in which the portions of the thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 closest to the hole 112 are expected to experience higher mechanical stresses, pressures, and/or forces than other portions (e.g., during assembly and/or operation of a thermoelectric module comprising the thermoelectric device 100). The first portion 142 comprises a portion of the perimeter 134 that is closest to the hole 112 and the first portion 142 extends along a length of the perimeter 134 that is substantially equal (e.g., within ±5%; within ±1%) to a width (e.g., the diameter) of the hole 112 (indicated by the dashed lines), that is greater than the width (e.g., between 5% and 10% greater than the width; between 10% and 20% greater than the width; between 20% and 100% greater than the width; between 50% and 150% greater than the width), that is less than the width (e.g., between 2% and 10% less than the width; between 10% and 20% less than the width; between 20% and 50% less than the width), or that is substantially equal (e.g., within ±5%; within ±1%) to the longer edge 126 b of the second plate 120 (e.g., the full length of the exterior edge of the second plate 120).

FIGS. 3E-3F schematically illustrate portions of various example thermoelectric devices 100 comprising at least two thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 each having a second plate 120 with two holes 112 of the first plate 110 therebetween in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. FIGS. 3E-3F are compatible with certain embodiments in which the portions of the thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 closest to the holes 112 are expected to experience higher mechanical stresses, pressures, and/or forces than other portions (e.g., during assembly and/or operation of a thermoelectric module comprising the thermoelectric device 100). In FIG. 3E, the first portion 142 comprises multiple sub-portions comprising a portion of the perimeter 134 that is closest to a corresponding one of the two holes 112. For example, the first portion 142 of FIG. 3E comprises two sub-portions separated from one another by a sub-portion of the second portion 152. More generally, in certain embodiments, the first portion 142 can comprise at least two sub-portions separated from one another by one or more sub-portions of the second portion 152. Each of the sub-portions in FIG. 3E extends along a length of the perimeter 134 that is substantially equal (e.g., within ±5%; within ±1%) to a width (e.g., the diameter) of the corresponding hole 112 (indicated by the dashed lines), and the second portion 152 extends along the remaining length of the perimeter 134 and includes a sub-portion between the two sub-portions of the first portion 142. In certain other embodiments, each of the sub-portions extend along a length of the perimeter 134 adjacent to the corresponding hole 112 with the length greater than the width (e.g., between 5% and 10% greater than the width; between 10% and 20% greater than the width; between 20% and 100% greater than the width; between 50% and 150% greater than the width) or that is less than the width (e.g., between 2% and 10% less than the width; between 10% and 20% less than the width; between 20% and 50% less than the width) of the corresponding hole 112 (indicated by the dashed lines). The second portion 152 extends along the remaining length of the perimeter 134 and includes a sub-portion between the two sub-portions of the first portion 142.

In FIG. 3F, the first portion 142 comprises portions of the perimeter 134 that are closest to the two holes 112 and the first portion 142 extends along a length of the perimeter 134 that is greater than a width (e.g., the diameter) of either of the two holes 112 (indicated by the dashed lines) including a sub-portion between the two holes 112, and the second portion 152 extends along the remaining length of the perimeter 134. For example, the length of the first portion 142 can be between 5% and 10% greater than the width; between 10% and 20% greater than the width; between 20% and 100% greater than the width; between 50% and 150% greater than the width). In certain embodiments, the first portion 142 extends along a length of the perimeter 134 that is substantially equal (e.g., within ±5%; within ±1%) of the longer edge 126 b of the second plate 120 (e.g., the full length of the interior edge of each of the two second plates 120), and the second portion 152 extends along the remaining length of the perimeter 134.

FIGS. 3G and 3H schematically illustrate portions of example thermoelectric devices 100 in which the first portion 142 of the perimeter 134 extends along a full length of one or more exterior edges of the second plates 120 in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. FIGS. 3G-3H are compatible with certain embodiments in which the portions of the thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 along the exterior edges of the second plates 120 are expected to experience higher mechanical stresses, pressures, and/or forces than other portions (e.g., during assembly and/or operation of a thermoelectric module comprising the thermoelectric device 100). In FIG. 3G, one of the two thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 has an exterior edge (e.g., a longer edge of a second plate 120 facing away from the other thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 of the thermoelectric device 100; a longer edge of a second plate 120 adjacent to a shorter edge of the first plate 110) and the first portion 142 extends along a full length of the exterior edge. In FIG. 3H, two thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 each have an exterior edge and the first portion 142 extends along a full length of each of the exterior edges.

FIGS. 3I and 3J schematically illustrated portions of thermoelectric devices 100 in which the first portion 142 of the perimeter 134 extends along at least one corner of the second plates 120 in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. FIGS. 3I-3J are compatible with certain embodiments in which the portions of the thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 around at least some of the corners of the second plates 120 are expected to experience higher mechanical stresses, pressures, and/or forces than other portions (e.g., during assembly and/or operation of a thermoelectric module comprising the thermoelectric device 100). In FIG. 3I, the first portion 142 extends along (e.g., around) the corners of an exterior edge of the second plate 120 (e.g., the corners farthest from the at least one hole 112), and the second portion 152 extending along the remaining length of the perimeter 134. In FIG. 3J, the first portion 142 extends along (e.g., around) the corners of an interior edge of the second plate 120 (e.g., the corners closest to the at least one hole 112), and the second portion 152 extending along the remaining length of the perimeter 134. While FIGS. 3I and 3J show the first portion 142 extending along two corners of each second plate 120, certain other embodiments have the first portion 142 extending along different numbers of corners of the second plate 120 (e.g., one; more than two).

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a thermoelectric module 400 for thermally conditioning a component (e.g., an electronics component; a battery) in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. The module 400 comprises a first heat spreader 410 and a second heat spreader 420 spaced apart from one another and configured to respectively provide cold and hot sides and to be mechanically coupled together by at least one fastener (e.g., bolt; screw; pin; rivet) (not shown). The module 400 further comprises a material 430 arranged between the first heat spreader 410 and the second heat spreader 420. The module 400 further comprises a thermoelectric device 100 operatively engaged with the first heat spreader 410 and the second heat spreader 420.

The thermoelectric device 100 comprises a thermally conductive first plate 110 in thermal communication with the first heat spreader 410, the first plate 110 comprising at least one hole 112 configured to have the at least one fastener extend therethrough. The thermoelectric device 100 further comprises a plurality of thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 arranged to have the at least one fastener between adjacent thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114.

Each thermoelectric sub-assembly 114 comprises a thermally conductive second plate 120 in thermal communication with the second heat spreader 420 and having a plurality of edges 126, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements 130 between and in thermal communication with the first plate 110 and the second plate 120. Each thermoelectric sub-assembly 114 further comprises a first material 140 along a first portion 142 of the plurality of edges 126 and having a first stiffness and a second material 150 along a second portion 152 of the plurality of edges 126 and having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness. FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2B, and 3A-3J schematically illustrate various example thermoelectric devices 100 and thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 in accordance with certain embodiments described herein.

In certain embodiments, the first heat spreader 410 and the second heat spreader 420 are configured to transfer heat away from the component to be thermally conditioned. For example, as schematically illustrated by FIG. 4, the first heat spreader 410 can be configured to transfer heat to the thermoelectric device 100 from the component to be thermally conditioned, and the second heat spreader 420 can be configured to transfer heat away from the thermoelectric device 100. The first heat spreader 410 can comprise at least one first surface 412 configured to be in thermal communication with the thermoelectric device 100 and at least one second surface 414 configured to be in thermal communication with the component to be thermally conditioned by the module 400, and the second heat spreader 420 can comprise at least one first surface 422 configured to be in thermal communication with the thermoelectric device 100. For example, at least one second surface 424 of the second heat spreader 420 can comprise at least one heat dissipation structure (e.g., at least one fin) configured to transfer heat from the second heat spreader 420 to the ambient surroundings. For another example, the second heat spreader 420 can be configured to have a fluid coolant (e.g., liquid; air; refrigerant) flow therethrough. While FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an example thermoelectric module 400 in which the first heat spreader 410 provides at least one cold side that receives heat from the component to be thermally conditioned and in which the second heat spreader 420 provides at least one hot side that serves as a heat sink which receives heat from the thermoelectric device 100, in certain other embodiments, the second heat spreader 420 provides the at least one cold side and the first heat spreader 410 provides the at least one hot side.

In certain embodiments, the material 430 comprises a compressible material (e.g., polymer; plastic; rubber; fiberglass) and is configured to be at least partially compressed by the first heat spreader 410 and the second heat spreader 420 during assembly of the thermoelectric module 400 while keeping the first heat spreader 410 and the second heat spreader 420 from contacting one another. In certain embodiments, the material 430 generally surrounds the thermoelectric device 100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4), and comprises conduits (e.g., holes; recesses; cut-out portions) (not shown) configured to accommodate one or more electrical conduits (e.g., wires) in electrical communication with the thermoelectric device 100 by allowing the one or more electrical conduits to extend from the thermoelectric device 100 to outside the thermoelectric module 400. In certain embodiments in which the thermoelectric device 100 comprises a plurality of thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114, the material 430 does not extend between the thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114. In certain embodiments, the material 430 provides thermal insulation between the first heat spreader 410 and the second heat spreader 420. For example, the material 430 can have a low thermal conductivity (e.g., less than 10 W/mK) and can be configured to reduce a thermal short between the first heat spreader 410 and the second heat spreader 420 (e.g., heat transfer along a thermal path between the first and second heat spreaders 410, 420 that does not extend through the thermoelectric device 100). In certain embodiments, the material 430 provides hermetic sealing and/or a moisture barrier for the volume occupied by the thermoelectric device 100. For example the material 430 can comprise an insulation ring configured to prevent dust, condensate, moisture, or other particulates and/or fluids from entering the volume occupied by the thermoelectric device 100.

In certain embodiments, during operation and/or assembly of the thermoelectric module 400, the first portion 142 of the plurality of edges 126 experiences a first mechanical force, pressure, and/or stress from the second heat spreader 420 and the second portion 150 of the plurality of edges 126 experiences a second mechanical force, pressure, and/or stress from the second heat spreader 420, with the second mechanical force, pressure, and/or stress less than the first mechanical force, pressure, and/or stress. By having the first material 140 with its first stiffness along portions of the thermoelectric sub-assemblies 114 where the mechanical force and/or stress from the second heat spreader 420 are expected to be higher than along other portions, where the second material 150 with its second stiffness is located, certain embodiments described herein advantageously provide enhanced durability and reliability of the thermoelectric device 100 and the thermoelectric module 400 (e.g., during assembly and/or operation of the thermoelectric module 400).

In certain embodiments, the thermoelectric module 400 comprises at least one seal (e.g., hermetic seal) at least partially surrounding a volume containing the thermoelectric elements 130 of the thermoelectric device 100. For example, the at least one seal can comprise at least a portion of the first material 140 and at least a portion of the second material 150 along the plurality of edges 126, such that the first plate 110, second plate 120, first material 140, and second material 150 seal a volume containing the thermoelectric elements 130. For another example, the at least one seal can comprise a material (e.g., epoxy; acrylic; polymer; silicone) between the first heat spreader 410 and the second heat spreader 420 and at least partially surrounding a volume containing the thermoelectric device 100 (e.g., potting a portion of the volume between the at least one first surface 412 of the first heat spreader 410 and the at least one first surface 422 of the second heat spreader 420. The material can be sufficiently rigid to provide mechanical strength to the thermoelectric module 400. In certain embodiments, additional material (e.g., epoxy; acrylic; polymer; silicone) is located and forms at least one seal between at least one screw head of the at least one fastener (not shown) and the at least one second surface 424 of the second heat spreader 420.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method 500 of forming a thermoelectric device 100 or a thermoelectric module 400 in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. While the method 500 is described by referring to the structures schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2B, 3A-3J, and 4, the method 500 is also compatible with other structures.

In an operational block 510, a thermally conductive first plate 110, a thermally conductive second plate 120, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements 130 in a region 132 between the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 are provided. The plurality of thermoelectric elements 130 are in thermal communication with the first plate 110 and the second plate 120. In an operational block 520, material is applied along a perimeter of the region 132.

In an operational block 522, said applying comprises applying a first material 140 (e.g., epoxy) along a first portion 142 of the perimeter 134 of the region 132. The first material 140 is in mechanical communication with the first plate 110 and the second plate 120, and the first material 140 has a first stiffness. For example, the first material 140 can be applied by extruding or spraying the first material 140 from a first nozzle placed in proximity to the first portion 142 and moved along the perimeter 134 to selectively place the first material 140 such that the first material 140 is in mechanical contact with the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 along the first portion 142 of the perimeter 134.

In an operational block 524, said applying further comprises applying a second material 150 (e.g., silicone) along a second portion 152 of the perimeter 134 of the region 132. The second material 150 is in mechanical communication with the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 and has a second stiffness less than the first stiffness. For example, the second material 150 can be applied by extruding or spraying the second material 150 from a second nozzle placed in proximity to the second portion 152 and moved along the perimeter 134 to selectively place the second material 150 such that the second material 150 is in mechanical contact with the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 along the second portion 152 of the perimeter 134. In certain embodiments, applying the material comprises forming a seal along the perimeter of the region, the seal comprising at least a portion of the first material 140 and at least a portion of the second material 150.

Discussion of the various embodiments herein has generally followed the embodiments schematically illustrated in the figures. However, it is contemplated that the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any embodiments discussed herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more separate embodiments not expressly illustrated or described. In many cases, structures that are described or illustrated as unitary or contiguous can be separated while still performing the function(s) of the unitary structure. In many instances, structures that are described or illustrated as separate can be joined or combined while still performing the function(s) of the separated structures. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited.

The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited. With respect to the use of any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. In general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). If a specific number is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the embodiment, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present.

Various embodiments have been described above. Although the inventions have been described with reference to these specific embodiments, the descriptions are intended to be illustrative and are not intended to be limiting. Various modifications and applications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A thermoelectric device comprising: a thermally conductive first plate comprising at least one hole extending through the first plate; and at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly comprising: a thermally conductive second plate displaced from the at least one hole in a direction parallel to the first plate; a plurality of thermoelectric elements in a region between the first plate and the second plate, the plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication with the first plate and the second plate; a first material along a first portion of a perimeter of the region, the first material in mechanical communication with the first plate and the second plate, the first material having a first stiffness; and a second material along a second portion of the perimeter of the region, the second material in mechanical communication with the first plate and the second plate, the second material having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.
 2. The thermoelectric device of claim 1, wherein the first material and the second material form a seal along the perimeter of the region.
 3. The thermoelectric device of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises epoxy and the second material comprises silicone.
 4. The thermoelectric device of claim 1, wherein the second plate has a planar polygonal shape with a plurality of edges and a plurality of corners.
 5. The thermoelectric device of claim 4, wherein the second plate has a rectangular shape and the plurality of edges comprises two shorter edges and two longer edges.
 6. The thermoelectric device of claim 5, wherein the first portion extends along at least one longer edge of the two longer edges, the first portion comprising a portion of the perimeter closest to the at least one hole.
 7. The thermoelectric device of claim 6, wherein the first portion comprises at least two sub-portions separated from one another by one or more sub-portions of the second portion.
 8. The thermoelectric device of claim 5, wherein the first portion extends along at least one longer edge of the two longer edges, the at least one longer edge facing away from the other thermoelectric sub-assemblies.
 9. The thermoelectric device of claim 4, wherein the first portion extends along at least one corner of the plurality of corners.
 10. The thermoelectric device of claim 1, wherein the first plate has a first surface area and the second plate has a second surface area less than the first surface area.
 11. The thermoelectric device of claim 10, wherein the first plate comprises a first plurality of edges and the second plate comprises a second plurality of edges, the first plurality of edges extending beyond the second plurality of edges.
 12. A thermoelectric module for thermally conditioning a component, the module comprising: first and second heat spreaders spaced apart from one another and configured to respectively provide cold and hot sides and to be mechanically coupled together by at least one fastener; a material arranged between the first and second heat spreaders; a thermoelectric device operatively engaged with the first and second heat spreaders, the thermoelectric device comprising: a thermally conductive first plate in thermal communication with the first heat spreader, the first plate comprising at least one hole configured to have the at least one fastener extend therethrough; and a plurality of thermoelectric sub-assemblies arranged to have the at least one fastener between adjacent thermoelectric sub-assemblies, each thermoelectric sub-assembly comprising: a thermally conductive second plate in thermal communication with the second heat spreader and having a plurality of edges; a plurality of thermoelectric elements between and in thermal communication with the first plate and the second plate; and a first material along a first portion of the plurality of edges and having a first stiffness and a second material along a second portion of the plurality of edges and having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.
 13. The module of claim 12, wherein, during operation or assembly of the module, the first portion of the plurality of edges experiences a first mechanical force from the second heat spreader and the second portion of the plurality of edges experiences a second mechanical force from the second heat spreader, the second mechanical force less than the first mechanical force.
 14. The module of claim 12, wherein the first material is in mechanical communication with the first plate and the second plate, and the second material is in mechanical communication with the first plate and the second plate.
 15. The module of claim 12, further comprising at least one seal along the plurality of edges, the at least one seal comprising at least a portion of the first material and at least a portion of the second material.
 16. The module of claim 15, wherein the second plate has a planar polygonal shape and the at least one seal is formed along a perimeter of the planar polygonal shape.
 17. The module of claim 12, wherein the second heat spreader is configured to have a fluid coolant flow therethrough.
 18. A method of forming a thermoelectric device, the method comprising: providing a thermally conductive first plate, a thermally conductive second plate, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements in a region between the first plate and the second plate, the plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication with the first plate and the second plate, the first plate comprising at least one hole extending through the first plate and the second plate displaced from the at least one hole such that the second plate does not extend over or around the at least one hole; and applying material along a perimeter of the region, wherein said applying comprises: applying a first material along a first portion of the perimeter of the region, the first material in mechanical communication with the first plate and the second plate, the first material having a first stiffness; and applying a second material along a second portion of the perimeter of the region, the second material in mechanical communication with the first plate and the second plate, the second material having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first material comprises epoxy and the second material comprises silicone.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the second plate has a planar polygonal shape with a plurality of edges, and the first material extends along a first set of edges of the plurality of edges and the second material extends along a second set of edges of the plurality of edges.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein the first portion experiences a first mechanical force during operation or assembly of the thermoelectric device and the second portion experiences a second mechanical force during operation or assembly of the thermoelectric device, the second mechanical force less than the first mechanical force.
 22. The method of claim 18, wherein applying the material comprises forming a seal along the perimeter of the region, the seal comprising at least a portion of the first material and at least a portion of the second material. 